The Potomac River and the unique geological features have shaped the land at Great Falls for millennia. Floods regularly occur along this stretch of the river, taking away soils and plants and depositing new silt and seeds to take their place. This is a dynamic environment, home to rare plant communities and a variety of wildlife.

Most of the park’s 800 acres are forested. Throughout the year, over 100 different species of birds can be seen at Great Falls Park.

Great Falls Junior Ranger Program
Kids ages 5-7 and 8-12 can participate in a self-guided junior ranger program at Great Falls. Once they complete their activity book and a park ranger signs off on it, kids can collect a special National Parks Service Great Falls Junior Ranger badge. A web-based Junior Ranger program is also available for the Great Falls Park.